Fourteenth candidate declares for Ballina election race

A fourteenth candidate has joined the local election race in the Ballina Local Electoral Area (LEA).

Local man Garie Beattie has announced that he will be on the ballot in the Ballina LEA on June 7 for the Local Elections as an Independent candidate.

Mr Beattie is the sixth Independent candidate to put themselves forward in this Municipal District and in a video announcing his candidacy on social media, he said he would encourage constituents in the Ballina LEA to vote for Independent candidates as opposed to candidates attached to parties.

"We have a massive opportunity to make a massive statement and a huge difference for our communities."

"We can put six Independent candidates into Mayo County Council. Can you imagine that? Not the established parties and not the Whip."

The remaining Independent candidates include Joe Doocey, who launched his campaign last week, Willie Nolan, Joe Faughnan, Keith Howley and current Councillor Mark Duffy.

Fine Gael have three candidates in Ballina, Cllrs John O'Hara and Jarlath Munnelly, as well as Hugh Rouse.

Fianna Fáil are also running three candidates in the area, Cllrs Michael Loftus and Annie-May Reape, as well as David Alexander.

Sinn Féin have two candidates on the ballot; Antonio Cafolla and Una Morris.

The closing date for the receipt of nominations for the election is this Saturday, May 18.